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Delaware TANF State Plan 10-1-23 to 09-30-26 Page 54 of 59

notice about their experiences of sexual harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

10. Delaware will make available to the public a summary of the State Plan.

Optional Certification:

I also certify that Delaware has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to: a. Screen and identify individuals receiving assistance under this part with a history of domestic violence sexual assault, or stalking while maintaining the confidentiality of such individuals; b. Refer such individuals to counseling and supportive services; and c. Waive, pursuant to a determination of good cause, other program requirements such as time limits (for as long as necessary) for individuals receiving assistance, residency requirements, child support cooperation requirements, and family cap provisions, in cases where compliance with such requirements would make it more difficult for individuals receiving assistance under this part to escape domestic violence or would unfairly penalize such individuals who are or have been victimized by such violence, or individuals who are at risk of further domestic violence.

As required under the optional Certification of Standards and Procedures to Ensure that a State will screen for and identify domestic violence, DSS will refer identified victims of domestic violence to appropriate services such as shelters and counseling and to Family Court. Under the Protection from Abuse Act (PFA), 10 Delaware Code, Chapter 9, Sections 1041-1048 (Attachment D), Family Court has the power and authority to expeditiously adjudicate all matters related to domestic violence including court ordered restraints, custody, property, and financial resources.

Through this strong domestic violence law, Delaware is clearly committed to assisting victims of domestic violence to overcome circumstances which put them in physical, emotional, and/or financial jeopardy, and to assist them in seeking redress and a safe environment for themselves and their families. The law is a strong deterrent to domestic violence, according to a study by the National Center for State Courts, released on December 2, 1996. The study reported that 86 percent of those who sought protection under the law, which permits individuals in danger of serious physical abuse to obtain a protection order, were no longer being physically abused.

As a part of barrier screening process, DSS caseworkers and Bridge case management staff use standardized instruments to identify